In the name of Allah (swt), The Infinitely Merciful, The Infinitely Compassionate

O Allah bless our beloved Muhammad (saw), the light of lights, the secret of secrets, the
antidote for depression and the key to the door of ease… O Allah, bless our master Muhammad
(saw) in every drop of rain that has fallen from Your heavens to Your earth from the day You
created the world to the Day of Resurrection and every day a thousand times
and upon his family the pure ones, grant as much as the bounties of Allah (swt) and His
blessings.

Assalaamu-Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi WaBarakatuh.

May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah (swt) be with you all.

My dear brothers and sisters in Islam and humanity, and my fellow Guyanese, on this joyful occasion observing the birth and life of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw), I extend greetings to you on behalf of the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana. As our nation observes this public holiday, may it be a day of gratitude, shared reflection, and renewed service. May Allah (swt) bless Guyana and accept all our devotion and good works. Aameen.

Allah (swt) tells us in the Holy Qur’an: “We have sent you, O Prophet, only as a mercy for the whole world.” (Qur’an 21:107). The mercy of Prophet Muhammad (saw) was not confined to words. It was seen in how he forgave, listened, protected the weak, honoured the neighbour, encouraged learning, cared for the poor, and gave young people dignity and responsibility. Our love for him must therefore appear in the way we speak, work, lead, disagree, and serve.

“The merciful are shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Be merciful to those on the earth, and the Oneabove the heavens will have mercy upon you.” (Jami’ at-Tirmidhi 1924, Hasan Sahih)

In 2026, this command of mercy speaks directly to the pain before us. In Palestine, especially Gaza, and in Sudan, children and families continue to endure violence, hunger, displacement, and the loss of loved ones. We pray for every innocent person who suffers. Civilians must be protected; food, water, medicine, and shelter must reach those in need; and justice and lasting peace must replace cycles of violence. Our prayers should also move our hands: let us support credible relief, speak truth with wisdom, and refuse the comfort of indifference.

Here in Guyana, our diversity is both a blessing and a trust. Allah (swt) says: “O humanity! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may get to know one another. Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you.” (Qur’an 49:13). Our differences were not created to produce suspicion or hostility. They should deepen knowledge, respect, and cooperation. Muslims must stand firmly against Islamophobia and also against racism, ethnic hostility, and hatred directed at any faith or community. When we disagree, we must remain truthful, just, and dignified.

Our young people deserve special attention. They are growing up in a world crowded with misinformation, cruel speech, violence, materialism, and loneliness. We cannot answer these challenges only with warnings. Parents, elders, imams, teachers, businesses, and public institutions must listen to young people, mentor them, and create real paths to education, useful work, leadership, and service. Above all, adults must model the honesty, discipline, and compassion we ask of the young.

To the youth of Guyana: guard your prayers; engage the Holy Qur’an; pursue knowledge; choose
companions who raise your character; learn skills that benefit your family and country; and never lose hope in the mercy of Allah (swt). Prophet Muhammad (saw) said, “A Muslim is the one who avoids harming Muslims with his tongue and hands.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 10). Today, the keyboard and screen extend the reach of the tongue and hand. Pause before you post. Verify before you share. Use technology to learn, build, and unite, never to humiliate, deceive, or divide. Guyana needs your faith, courage, ideas, and service.

Let our masjid be places where young people are heard, women are respected, vulnerable persons are safe, and neighbours are welcomed. Let this observance move us to reconcile with a relative, visit the sick and elderly, feed a family, assist a student, mentor a young person, and check on a neighbour. Give sadaqah generously. These acts carry the fragrance of Prophetic mercy into our streets and communities.

On this Youmun-Nabi, let us ask ourselves: Do our homes know our gentleness? Are people safe from our words? Do we demand justice for ourselves while practicing unfairness against others? Do we praise the Prophet (saw) yet neglect the orphan, the poor, or the lonely? The measure of our remembrance is the character it produces. Let us walk together, refine our conduct, and become people through whom others experience mercy.

May Allah (swt) guide and protect our youth, place light in their hearts, excellence in their efforts, and righteous purpose in their lives. May He preserve Guyana in peace, deepen unity among all our people, and bless every community. May He grant relief, safety, justice, and healing to the people of Palestine, Sudan, and all who suffer throughout the world. Aameen.
I ask Allah (swt) to bless all of you as we join in praising our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw):

O Allah, bless our Master Muhammad, who opened what was closed and sealed what was before. He makes the truth victorious, and he is the guide to Your Straight Path. And bless his Household as it befits his immense stature and splendor.

Oh Allah! Bestow Your Mercy and Blessings upon Muhammad whenever he is remembered and bestow
Your Mercy and Blessings upon Muhammad whenever he is not remembered.

May the Peace and Blessing of the Most Merciful be upon each and everyone.

Wa-Alaikumus-Salaam WaRahmatullahi-WaBarakaatuh.